King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 20:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 20:2 in the King James Version says “And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were preciou...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. to weigh: Heb. the weight of”

1 Chronicles 20:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. after: Heb. at the return of the year

2

And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. to weigh: Heb. the weight of

3

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

4

And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. arose: or, continued: Heb. stood Gezer: or, Gob the giant: or, Rapha

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Final conquests and giant slayers. The Hebrew term רָפָה (rapha) - giant/Rephaim is theologically significant here, pointing to God enables victory over impossible odds. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God enables victory over impossible odds. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Final conquests and giant slayers occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God enables victory over impossible odds challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities) teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיִּקַּ֣ח1 of 23

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

דָּוִ֑יד2 of 23

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲטֶֽרֶת4 of 23

“the crown”

H5850

a crown

מַלְכָּם֩5 of 23

“of their king”

H4428

a king

מֵעַ֨ל6 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֣אשׁ7 of 23

“from off his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַֽיִּמְצָאָ֣הּ׀8 of 23

“and found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

מִשְׁקַ֣ל9 of 23

“it to weigh”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

כִּכַּר10 of 23

“a talent”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

זָהָ֗ב11 of 23

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּבָהּ֙12 of 23
H0
אֶ֣בֶן13 of 23

“stones”

H68

a stone

יְקָרָ֔ה14 of 23

“and there were precious”

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

וַתְּהִ֖י15 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל16 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֣אשׁ17 of 23

“from off his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

דָּוִ֑יד18 of 23

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּשְׁלַ֥ל19 of 23

“spoil”

H7998

booty

הָעִ֛יר20 of 23

“out of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הוֹצִ֖יא21 of 23

“and he brought”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַרְבֵּ֥ה22 of 23

“much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מְאֹֽד׃23 of 23

“also exceeding”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 20:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 18:112 Samuel 12:30-312 Samuel 8:11-12

Places in This Verse

Rabbah 1Settlement · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E17 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 20 →

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